Chemical Injuries

This refers to any damage to tissues by contact with harmful chemicals such as lye, acids, or strong cleaning supplies.

What to do:

• Wash the affected area with copious amounts of flowing water for a minimum of 15 minutes
• If the chemicals were dry, then brush them away carefully, all the while protecting your dog’s eyes, nose, and mouth
• If the chemical is in the eye, flush with large amounts of *water, saline or eye wash solution for at least 15 minutes
• Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible

What NOT to do:

• Do not try to apply “neutralizing agents” to the skin or eyes – this could cause a chemical reaction that produces heat and could lead to further injury to your dog
• Do not immerse your dog in non-flowing water, as you need to be rinsing the irritant away

* pure water can be irritating to the eyes and skin – saline is more comfortable – you can make this solution by dissolving 2 tbsp. of salt in one quart of water (9 grams salt in 1 liter of water)